SMART PARENTING FEATURE STORY

Smart Parenting Nepal is a quiet revolution of parenting in Kathmandu. Smart Parenting Nepal, co-founded in 2019 by Pratima Lama, Sunita Napit, and Kabindra Napit, was born from a shared realization: parenting is not an instinct, it’s a skill. And like an

Pratima Lama, a trained parenting mentor, was already guiding families when Kabindra Napit found her insights invaluable in raising his own son. That simple exchange sparked a bigger idea: what if this knowledge could be accessible to every parent, not just a lucky few? Along with Sunita Napit, the trio combined their strengths in mentoring, media, and operations to create a platform rooted in mindful, holistic child development - Smart Parenting Nepal.

 

Today, the organization offers expert-led workshops, low-cost counselling, parenting forums, and direct links to psychologists and specialists. Initiatives like Abhibhavak Jigyasa and Abhibhavak Chautari create safe, interactive spaces for parents to learn, share, and grow together. Whether through online webinars or hands-on community sessions, their mission remains the same: to shift parenting from a place of pressure and perfection to one of empathy, connection, and confidence. After all, smarter parents raise smarter children!

 

1. Looking back, how has your own life changed as a parent since founding Smart Parenting Nepal?
   Sunita: Being part of Smart Parenting Nepal has taught me the value of quality time with my children. I’ve learned to be more of a friend and create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing. I involve my son in everyday challenges so he builds problem-solving skills. Emotionally, I feel more connected to him.

 

Kabindra: As a father, I’ve become more active and intentional in parenting. Smart Parenting Nepal emphasizes emotional needs, so I’ve learned to respect my children’s feelings through active listening and validation. I no longer raise my voice, instead, I apologize, stay calm, and regulate my own emotions. I make it a priority to spend quality time with them.
 

Pratima: Even though I am not biological parents, through my parenting journey I got to explore the science behind reactions and emotions of children as well as ourselves. Guiding parents through smart parenting Nepal has taught me to emotionally regulate children. I have learnt more answers to ‘why’ to use certain. Parenting style rather than just accepting western parenting styles.
 

 

2. When you first began, were you hopeful or hesitant about how Nepali parents would respond to this kind of support?
   Kabindra: In the beginning, we were hopeful—no one had done this before, and we thought many parents would welcome it. We even picked a thoughtful name. But once we launched, the response was disappointing. Many questioned why parenting needed support. At one point, we considered shutting down, but mutual encouragement kept us going.
   
   Sunita: Many parents believed they didn’t need formal guidance, saying, “Our parents raised us without it.” We had aimed for inclusivity, but only around 10% of father figures joined. That’s still a big gap, and we’re now actively working to bring more men into this journey of raising smarter kids by becoming smarter parents.
   
   Pratima: I’ve always believed that if we could impact even 1% of parents, it would be a success. Since I was already in this field before Smart Parenting Nepal, I had realistic expectations and wasn’t too hopeful. I even considered stepping away, but Kabindra ji’s encouragement kept me going.

 

3. What unexpected moments or feedback from parents have moved you the along this journey?
   Pratima: When parents say their bond with their child has improved, even in a single line it means everything. Some even say their own inner child feels healed, which is deeply moving.

Kabindra: A testimonial from one mother in our session, shared how her husband became more nurturing after a session - something new for their family. Kids sometimes overhear online sessions and say, “You take Smart Parenting and still act like that?” It keeps parents accountable. We hear members saying, “Your Viber quotes are seen as daily reminders to do better”- which helps me move forward.

Sunita: I’m touched when parents tell us our tips helped build habits like reading which is important for cognitive development. It proves how small changes can have a lasting impact.

 

4.  Let’s talk about the cultural patterns in Nepali parenting that can be setback to modern parenting? 
   Pratima: Families have broken down into nuclear structure unlike joint family in past. This has its own drawback – chikdrens lose their strategic capacity as children leaving in joint family only know how to strategize with their parents. In contrast, while living with joint family, childrens learn how to accommodate to the personality of whole joint family and build set of strategic capabilities to adjust and make their way through. Joint family used to unconsciously build cognitive strength which can be seen in reduced amount after this cultural shift in the family dynamic.  During old cultures, our parents use to learn parenting by observing how their grandparents raise their child ( with time and attention)   but now parents have been isolated so they feel helpless and clueless sometimes in raising a child. Also child can sometime be emotionally distant with their parents because of working culture. Nepali parenting cultures are beautiful but it doesn’t get much attention unless it  gets westernized viewpoint. Every culture has its own strengths and set backs, its on us to realize and create a practical blend of cultural tips into modern parenting.
   
   Kabindra: I think modern parenting has been set back to culture rather than other way around. These days children have been away from their culture and through internet and exposure they are into western culture and away from our own culture like my son like fast foods like pizza and burger or easy to eat food but not chiura. They celebrate Christmas heartfully but know nothing about our culture like sithi nakha.

 

5. How did your training and workshops begin, and how can interested parents join?
   In the beginning, we had only 3 to 5 participants. As others began charging for similar content, our free virtual sessions gained traction. Our workshops focus on holistic child development - physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and language. While we are trainers, we also bring in field experts for deeper insights. Over time, we combined virtual and physical sessions. Parents can register via our Facebook link, those with adolescent children can join the adolescent program, and others can opt for the early childhood track.

 

6. What do you feel are the most overlooked parenting issues in Nepal today?
   One of the most overlooked issues is the overemphasis on cognitive development. Parents often focus solely on academic performance whether their child scores high, studies well, or displays “achiever” qualities, while emotional development gets sidelined. Many behavioral concerns stem from a lack of emotional validation or unfulfilled personal interests. Another overlooked issue is over-caring, where well-meaning parents end up micromanaging or overprotecting their children, which can hinder independence and self-growth.

 

7. How do you support parents with emotional intelligence?
   We offer practical coaching focused on key skills like observing and active listening without judgment. We teach parents how to empathize, understand nonverbal cues, and validate every emotion their child expresses. They learn to create space for feelings, help children self-regulate, and support emotional expression in healthy ways. We also introduce basic brain science to help parents understand the roots of emotions, encourage them to "walk in their child’s shoes," and emphasize the importance of respect and emotional acknowledgment.

 

8. What kind of community have you built through Smart Parenting Nepal?
   We’ve built a supportive and inclusive community through initiatives like Abhibhabak Jigyasa, where parents can access one-on-one expert counselling. We also have Abhibhabak Chautari, a safe space where parents come together to share their stories, challenges, and wins. It’s both a practical support system and an emotionally nurturing environment, helping parents feel less alone in their journey.

 

9. Many parents are still not aware of the organization and support what promotional activities are you engaged on to enhance awareness?
   Kabindra: We’re actively collaborating with schools, national media, and platforms like Smart Family Magazine to expand our reach. Our social media presence especially on TikTok has grown, with regular video content. We also engage in sponsorships, speak at various events, and appear as guest speakers to boost visibility. Additionally, we’ve built a strong membership network that promotes our work through word of mouth, which has been incredibly powerful.

 

10. What is one ‘smart parenting’ tip you’d personally recommend to every parent?
    Pratima: Parenting should be based on who your child is and what they need, not just on who you are. It’s about centering the child while bringing in your emotional maturity.
    Kabindra: Smart parenting isn’t about changing the child; it’s about changing ourselves to become better parents.
    Sunita: Children are our future. They thrive when we raise them with positive motivation and encouragement.